A Speech Delivered by China’s Ambassador to Liberia H.E. YIN Chengwu at the Seminar on “Deepen Cooperation, Work Together for Development.”
Good morning.
Welcome to the seminar on “Deepen Cooperation, Work Together for Development”.
It is a great pleasure to meet with old and new friends and to discuss China-Liberia cooperation.
Recently, President Xi Jinping and President Joseph Nyuma Boakai held a successful meeting during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). Both Presidents agreed to elevate China-Liberia relations to strategic partnership, charting the course of the bilateral relations. China and Liberia face great opportunities to deepen cooperation and seek common development.
Firstly, it is the collective rise of the “Global South”. The “Global South” was born for development and has risen because of development. The joint modernization of the countries of the “Global South” is a major event in world history and an unprecedented feat in the course of human civilization. At present, deglobalization is widespread, protectionism is prevalent and populism is on the rise. Against this backdrop, China and Liberia, as members of the “Global South”, share common interests in safeguarding the interests and development space of emerging economies and developing countries, and in tackling global challenges as well. Therefore, revitalizing development and achieving universal prosperity is the goal of the Global South and a new opportunity for China-Liberia cooperation.
Secondly, it is the success of the FOCAC Summit in Beijing. The Summit has reached significant outcomes, sent a strong voice of the times to the world for China and Africa to seek common development, and demonstrated the firm determination of China and Africa to unite and cooperate. In particular, China and Africa decided to jointly advance modernization that is just and equitable, that is open and win-win, that puts the people first, that features diversity and inclusiveness, that is eco-friendly, and that is underpinned by peace and security. The common pursuit of modernization by China and Africa will undoubtedly bring new opportunities for China-Liberia cooperation.
Thirdly, it is the strong leadership of the two heads of State. This year, under the strategic leadership of President Xi Jinping and President Boakai, China-Liberia relations are back on right track, and the cooperation between the two countries has opened a new chapter. During the FOCAC, the two Presidents agreed to enter strategic partnership between the two countries. This means that the foundation of strategic mutual trust between the two countries has deepened, the prospects for bilateral practical cooperation have become broader, the elements of the bilateral relations has become richer, and the momentum of development has become stronger. There is a more solid guarantee that China and Liberia will continue to deepen their cooperation and seek common development together.
Fourth, it is the Third Plenum of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC). The Plenum opened a new phase of reform in China and made a systematic plan to further deepen reforms in a comprehensive manner and push forward Chinese modernization. It put forward more than 300 important reform measures, all of which will be accomplished in five years, sending a strong signal that China will unswervingly hold high the banner of reform and opening-up and push forward Chinese modernization. Chinese modernization will bring opportunities for broad market, investment and growth for all countries, and will surely provide more development opportunities for China-Liberia cooperation. It is also worth noting that China has recently launched a package of incremental economic policies, further consolidating and strengthening the upward trend of economic recovery and brightening the prospects for economic development.
Fifth, it is the commitment of the Boakai administration to development. The administration’s AAID, based on the national conditions of Liberia, is a guide to the country’s economic and social development. In implementing the Agenda, the administration is striving for the people, vigorously promoting change and development domestically, and getting more active in promoting Liberia internationally. Under the circumstances, China and Liberia are more motivated to deepen cooperation and seek common development.
Ladies and gentlemen, friends,
On the path to realizing dreams, China is a reliable friend and partner.
Objectively speaking, China and Liberia are complementary in economy. China enjoys the advantages of its socialist market economy, the mega-sized market, a comprehensive industrial system, and a large pool of skilled workers and entrepreneurs. China is also pursuing high-level opening up, promoting a strategy of mutual benefit and win-win cooperation, improving the quality and stability of foreign trade, increasing foreign investment and deeply integrated into global economy. Liberia is rich in mineral, forestry, land and water resources. As a major maritime gateway in West Africa and the world’s largest registry of open flag vessels, Liberia also boasts over 500 kilometers of coastline with beautiful natural landscapes and great potential for tourism. By leveraging the respective strengths and potential, China and Liberia can further strengthen cooperation and achieve mutual benefit and common development.
Historically speaking, China-Liberia practical cooperation delivered. China has aided the SKD Sports Complex, two annexes to the Liberian Capitol Building and the Ministerial Complex and other landmarks. China was the first country to send emergency aid to Liberia to fight Ebola and COVID-19 in 2014 and 2020. So far, China has sent 16 batches of medical teams to Liberia. Confucius Institute at the University of Liberia has trained and recommended over 300 Liberian young people to study in China since its establishment in 2008. China offered dozens of scholarships and various training opportunities to Liberia every year. After coming back to Liberia, they are now key players in various sectors in Liberia, playing important roles in the economic, educational, social, and cultural fields. In this year, China and Liberia renewed maritime transport agreement, signed a memorandum of understanding on agricultural cooperation, the Fingerprint Examination Laboratory Project and the China-Aid Project of Liberia Mineral Resources Survey was handed over, and the LBS Refurbishment and Expansion Project was already launched.
On the path to modernization, China and Liberia are sharing the path and true friends.
Looking ahead, China and Liberia are expected to continuously support each other on issues related to their respective core interests and major concerns. China appreciates Liberia’s firm adherence to the One-China principle and its support for China’s position on Hong Kong, Xinjiang, Xizang and maritime issues. China supports Liberia’s right to independently choose a development path suited to its national conditions while safeguarding its sovereignty, security and development interests.
China and Liberia are expected to strengthen coordination and cooperation in international and multilateral affairs. China is willing to work with Liberia to uphold true multilateralism, rectify the historical injustice against Africa, and enhance the representation and voice of developing countries, especially African countries, in the global governance system. We will work together to build a community with a shared future for mankind and promote the implementation of the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative. China appreciates Liberia’s efforts in playing a greater role in international and regional affairs, and stands ready to work with Liberia to safeguard the common interests of developing countries.
China and Liberia are expected to further strengthen practical cooperation and people-to-people exchanges. China is willing to provide support to the best of its ability to Liberia in infrastructure construction, strengthen cooperation in traditional fields such as maritime transport, agriculture, resources development and actively expand cooperation in new areas such as clean and new energy. In the next step, China will implement important projects such as the two Overpass Bridges on Tubman Boulevard, the National Clinical Diagnostic and Treatment Lab at the 14 Military Hospital, Bamboo and Rattan Weaving, while exploring further cooperation opportunities. China is willing to encourage more Chinese enterprises to invest and operate in Liberia to contribute to Liberia’s economic and social development, and looks forward to Liberia creating a more favorable business environment. China is willing to have close exchanges and cooperation with the Liberian side at all levels, deepen the exchange of experience in governance and friendship between the two sides, and further strengthen exchanges with the Liberian side in political parties, culture, education, science and technology, youth, women, media and other fields, so as to consolidate the foundation of friendship.
From this new starting point, rooted in traditional friendship, embodying win-win cooperation and strengthened by a shared future in step with the times, China-Liberia cooperation holds great promise. China is now building a strong country and advancing national rejuvenation on all fronts through a Chinese path to modernization, while Liberia is experiencing a new awakening and making steady progress toward the modernization goals outlined in the AAID. China stands ready to work with Liberia to deepen cooperation and work together for development, lifting the China-Liberia strategic partnership to new levels.
Thank you!
